‘Lusail City will be filled with electrifying energy and be the centre of the world’s attention’

Lusail City keenly illustrates Qatar’s vision and ambitions. It holds a special place in the country’s history – and this year will host the biggest football match on the planet.

Lusail City keenly illustrates Qatar’s vision and ambitions. It holds a special place in the country’s history – and this year will host the biggest football match on the planet.

In the 19th century, Lusail was the home of the founder of modern Qatar, Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, who marked its location by building Lusail Castle, located about 23km from Doha. The city’s name is derived from ‘al wassail’, which is Arabic for a rare plant that is native to the area.

More than a century after Sheikh Jassim called Lusail home, Qatar’s leaders began planning to turn the area into an ultramodern city. Since 2005, that vision has gradually become reality – with the city now ready to host FIFA World Cup matches later this year, starting with the Group C clash between Argentina and Saudi Arabia on 22 November.

The stadium will also host the Lusail Super Cup on Friday 9 September between the champions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The match will be followed by a special concert for the 80,000 fans who pack the golden arena.